2026 Best Nursing Schools in Maryland – Accredited ADN, BSN, MSN Programs

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Choosing a nursing school in Maryland is not just a question of which campus has the best reputation. The right program must match your career goal, budget, timeline, licensure path, clinical placement needs, and plans for advancement. Maryland offers multiple nursing routes, including Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and other advanced practice pathways.

This guide is designed for students comparing nursing schools in Maryland, working adults looking for a faster path into healthcare, registered nurses planning to advance, and career changers deciding whether nursing is worth the investment. It explains how Maryland nursing programs differ, what licensure requires, how long programs take, what costs to expect, and how to compare schools beyond rankings.

You will also find practical decision points, common mistakes to avoid, and links to related guides on nursing degree levels, Maryland licensure, online programs, advanced practice careers, and healthcare management options.

Best Nursing Schools in Maryland Table of Contents

• Is nursing a good job in Maryland?
• What are the steps to becoming a nurse in Maryland?
• Nursing Program Length in Maryland
• What Sets Maryland's Nurse Practitioner Programs Apart?
• Tuition and Costs of Nursing Programs in Maryland
• Maryland Schools Offering Nursing Programs for 2026
• How Can I Obtain a Nursing License in Maryland?
• What To Look For in Nursing Schools in Maryland
• How Can I Begin a Career as an LPN in Maryland?
• How Can I Become a Nurse Practitioner in Maryland?
• Are Online LPN Programs a Reliable Path to Launch Your Nursing Career in Maryland?
• Is There an Opportunity for Nurses to Transition into Medical Billing and Coding Roles in Maryland?
• How Do I Satisfy Nurse Midwife Education Requirements in Maryland?
• What are the unique scholarship opportunities for nursing students in Maryland?
• What Are the Career Prospects for Specialized Nursing Roles in Maryland?
• How Can I Launch a Military Nursing Career in Maryland?
• Can I Transition from Nursing to Pharmacy in Maryland?

Quick Answer: What are the best nursing schools in Maryland?

The best nursing school in Maryland depends on the credential you need. Students who want a lower-cost entry into registered nursing may compare ADN or ASN programs at community colleges, while students seeking broader career mobility often consider BSN, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, or nurse practitioner programs. The strongest choice is usually a Maryland Board of Nursing-approved program with ACEN or CCNE accreditation, solid NCLEX outcomes, accessible clinical placements, transparent costs, and a format that fits your schedule.

For 2026, the Maryland programs highlighted in this guide include ADN, ASN, BSN, RN-to-MSN, and MSN options from College of Southern Maryland, University of Maryland, Salisbury University, Notre Dame of Maryland University, and Montgomery College.

Is nursing a good job in Maryland?

Nursing can be a strong career choice in Maryland for students who want patient-facing work, stable healthcare demand, multiple education pathways, and room to move into specialized or leadership roles. Maryland hospitals have reported a vacancy rate of 1 in 4 nursing positions, which points to significant hiring pressure across parts of the state’s healthcare system.

Compensation varies by role, education, specialty, employer, location, shift, and experience. According to state wage estimates, registered nurses in Maryland earned an average annual wage of about $96,650, nurse practitioners earned around $127,100, and nurse anesthetists earned about $163,470 as of the most recent data available (Maryland Department of Labor, 2024). These figures do not guarantee an individual salary, but they show why many students view nursing as a high-value healthcare pathway.

Nurses who want to move away from bedside care may also prepare for supervisory, operations, or administrative positions. One route is to compare online healthcare management degrees, especially if long-term goals include unit management, care coordination, compliance, or healthcare leadership.

What are the steps to becoming a nurse in Maryland?

The path to becoming a nurse in Maryland depends on whether you want to become an LPN, RN, advanced practice nurse, nurse educator, or nurse leader. Most students should start by choosing the license or job title they want first, then work backward to identify the required education, exam, clinical training, and state application process.

1. Choose the right nursing education path: Select a state-approved program aligned with your goal. Common options include LPN, ADN, ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, and doctoral pathways. Students comparing majors can start with a general nursing degree overview before narrowing their Maryland school list.
2. Verify approval and accreditation: Before applying, confirm that the program is accepted for Maryland licensure and, when relevant, nationally accredited by organizations such as ACEN or CCNE. Approval and accreditation can affect licensure eligibility, transfer credit, graduate school admission, and employer acceptance.
3. Complete required coursework and clinical training: Nursing programs combine classroom instruction, labs, simulation, and supervised patient care. Clinical access matters because students need real-world preparation in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community clinics, and other healthcare settings.
4. Pass the required licensing exam: RN candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN, while LPN candidates take the NCLEX-PN. Exam preparation should be part of your school comparison because pass rates can indicate whether a program consistently prepares students for licensure.
5. Apply for licensure through Maryland: Graduates submit the required application materials to the Maryland Board of Nursing, which may include proof of education, exam results, identity verification, fees, and background screening.
6. Consider specialization after RN licensure: After becoming an RN, nurses may pursue roles such as nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, nurse educator, informatics nurse, or healthcare leader. According to the most recent employment data, Maryland employed approximately 48,980 registered nurses in 2024, with strong representation of advanced practice roles statewide, while national estimates show there were about 320,400 nurse practitioners, 53,800 nurse anesthetists, and 8,600 nurse midwives employed across the United States in 2024, reflecting robust workforce numbers for advanced practice nursing (LeadNursingForward, 2025; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).
7. Plan for continuing education and renewal: Maryland nurses must maintain licensure according to MBON rules. Requirements can change, so nurses should monitor renewal, continuing education, and practice updates throughout their careers.
8. Advance strategically: RNs who want higher-level clinical, teaching, or management opportunities may consider an MSN, DNP, or bridge pathway. If cost is a major concern, compare the most affordable online MSN programs, but do not choose based on tuition alone.

Which board is responsible for accrediting and licensing in Maryland?

The Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) oversees nursing program approval, nursing licensure, and professional regulation in the state. MBON also provides information on application requirements, renewal rules, continuing education, discipline, and nursing practice standards. Prospective students should use the MBON website as a primary source before enrolling, especially if they are considering an online, out-of-state, bridge, or advanced practice program.

Nursing Program Length in Maryland

Maryland nursing programs vary in length because each credential prepares students for a different level of responsibility. A shorter program can help you enter the workforce sooner, but it may also limit advancement until you complete additional education. A longer degree usually requires more time and money upfront, but it may create more options for hospital employment, leadership roles, graduate study, and specialty practice.

How to choose the right program length

What Sets Maryland's Nurse Practitioner Programs Apart?

Maryland nurse practitioner programs are designed for licensed nurses who want advanced clinical authority, deeper specialty training, and preparation for national certification. Strong NP programs typically combine graduate-level coursework in assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, diagnostics, population health, and evidence-based practice with supervised clinical experience.

Students should pay close attention to clinical placement support. A program may offer online coursework, but NP preparation still requires hands-on patient care experiences. Programs connected to hospitals, community health centers, specialty clinics, and underserved care settings can give students exposure to a broader range of patient needs. If your goal is advanced practice, compare nurse practitioner programs in Maryland with a focus on accreditation, certification alignment, clinical placement process, and graduate outcomes.

Tuition and Costs of Nursing Programs in Maryland

Nursing school costs in Maryland depend on institution type, residency status, program level, fees, prerequisites, lab supplies, uniforms, books, testing costs, transportation, and the number of credits required. Tuition is only one part of the price. Clinical travel, reduced work hours, exam fees, and background checks can also affect affordability.

Based on the available program cost information reviewed, tuition for nursing programs in Maryland varies by school and credential. In-state students typically pay between $4,800 and $11,000 per semester at public universities, while out-of-state students typically pay between $19,000 and $37,000 per semester. Private university tuition can be higher.

Cost questions to ask before enrolling

• What is the total program cost? Ask for tuition, fees, books, testing charges, uniforms, clinical supplies, background checks, and graduation costs.
• Are prerequisites included? Some advertised nursing costs do not include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, statistics, or general education courses.
• Can I transfer credits? Transfer-friendly schools may reduce both time and cost, especially for RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN students.
• Is financial aid available for my program type? Confirm whether the credential, enrollment status, and school qualify for federal aid, state aid, employer reimbursement, or scholarships.
• Will I need to reduce work hours? Clinical rotations and labs can create schedule conflicts that affect income while enrolled.

Maryland Schools Offering Nursing Programs for 2026

Research.com reviewed reliable public information to identify Maryland nursing programs that serve different student goals, including entry-level registered nursing, bachelor’s-level preparation, RN-to-MSN advancement, and graduate nursing leadership. Use this list as a starting point, not as the only factor in your decision. The best school for you must fit your license goal, budget, schedule, academic background, and clinical placement needs.

1. ADN at College of Southern Maryland

College of Southern Maryland offers an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree that prepares students for registered nursing practice and NCLEX-RN eligibility. The curriculum introduces nursing concepts, patient care principles, and clinical decision-making for individuals managing complex health needs. Because the program is ACEN-accredited, it may also support future academic progression into baccalaureate study, depending on transfer policies and receiving institutions.

1. Program Length: One to two years
2. Tracks/concentrations: Human Anatomy & Physiology, Professional Nursing Practice, Professional Nursing Leadership
3. Cost per credit: $140 to $245 (in-state), $315 (out-of-state)
4. Required credits to graduate: 70 credits
5. Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. RN to MSN at the University of Maryland

The University of Maryland offers an RN-to-MSN route for registered nurses who want to move efficiently toward both BSN- and MSN-level preparation. The structure allows selected master’s core coursework to count toward BSN electives, which can reduce duplicated study and shorten the overall academic path. This option is especially relevant for RNs who already hold a baccalaureate degree in another field or who want graduate preparation in leadership, informatics, or community/public health.

1. Program Length: At least two years
2. Tracks/concentrations: Community/Public Health Nursing (CPH), Health Services Leadership and Management (HSLM), Nursing Informatics (NI)
3. Cost per credit: $856 (in-state), $1,519 (out-of-state)
4. Required credits to graduate: 69-71 credits
5. Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. MSN at Salisbury University

Salisbury University offers a Master of Science in Nursing through its School of Nursing for registered nurses preparing for educator, leadership, or management roles. The CCNE-accredited program includes options such as Nurse Educator, Health Care Leadership, and an RN-to-MSN track for qualified nurses who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students should review concentration requirements carefully because each pathway can lead to different professional outcomes.

1. Program Length: Two to three years
2. Tracks/concentrations: Health Care Leadership, Nurse Educator
3. Cost per credit: $543 (in-state), $890 (out-of-state)
4. Required credits to graduate: 36 to 39 credits
5. Accreditation: CCNE

4. Entry-Level BSN at Notre Dame of Maryland University

Notre Dame of Maryland University offers an Entry-Level Bachelor of Science in Nursing for students who are not yet nurses and want a full baccalaureate route into the profession. The program emphasizes caring science, professional judgment, inclusivity, service, and reflective clinical practice. Students considering this pathway should compare the total cost of attendance with ADN-to-BSN alternatives, especially if affordability is a major concern.

1. Program Length: Four years
2. Tracks/concentrations: Research in Nursing Practice, Professional Nursing Care: Psychiatric/Mental Health, Pathopharmacology
3. Cost per year: $40,430
4. Required credits to graduate: 126 credits
5. Accreditation: CCNE

5. ASN at Montgomery College

Montgomery College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing for students pursuing registered nurse licensure. The program is selective, admitting only 192 students each semester through a competitive process. Graduates are prepared to sit for the state board examination for RN licensure and to provide safe, competent care in healthcare environments. Applicants should review admission prerequisites, selection criteria, and transfer pathways early because competitive programs often require careful planning.

1. Program Length: Two years
2. Tracks/concentrations: Nursing in Health and Illness, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in Nursing
3. Cost per credit: $201 to $341.80 (in-state), $467.80 (out-of-state)
4. Required credits to graduate:
5. Accreditation: ACEN

If you are already an RN and want a bachelor’s degree without relocating, compare an affordable RN to BSN online program by looking beyond tuition. Accreditation, transfer credit, clinical or practicum expectations, course length, and employer recognition can make a major difference.

How Can I Obtain a Nursing License in Maryland?

To obtain a nursing license in Maryland, you generally need to graduate from an approved nursing program, satisfy exam requirements, complete the state application process, and provide required verification documents. Applicants should expect identity verification, background screening, proof of education, applicable fees, and exam-related documentation. Requirements may differ for first-time applicants, endorsement applicants, LPNs, RNs, and advanced practice nurses.

Because licensing rules are regulatory requirements, verify current instructions before you apply. For a focused checklist, review Research.com’s guide to nursing license requirements in Maryland.

What To Look For in Nursing Schools in Maryland

A strong nursing program should do more than advertise a respected name. It should prepare you for licensure, clinical practice, and the specific career step you want next. Accreditation, approval, outcomes, clinical access, cost transparency, and student support are the most important factors to compare.

Students who want to eventually leave bedside care should also compare programs that support leadership preparation. Some nurses later move into healthcare management roles, where clinical experience can be valuable alongside business, operations, or administration skills.

How Can I Begin a Career as an LPN in Maryland?

An LPN pathway can be a practical entry point for students who want direct patient care responsibilities without first completing a full RN program. Maryland LPN programs typically focus on foundational nursing skills, medication-related responsibilities, patient observation, basic care, and supervised clinical practice. Graduates must meet Maryland licensure requirements and pass the NCLEX-PN.

Before enrolling, confirm that the program is state-approved and that its clinical schedule is realistic for your life. For a step-by-step overview, read the guide to LPN requirements in Maryland.

How Can I Become a Nurse Practitioner in Maryland?

Becoming a nurse practitioner in Maryland requires RN preparation first, followed by accredited graduate-level nursing education in a nurse practitioner specialty. Candidates must complete advanced coursework, supervised clinical training, national certification requirements, and the Maryland application process for advanced practice authority.

The right NP program should align with the patient population you want to serve, such as family practice, adult-gerontology, psychiatric-mental health, pediatrics, or women’s health. For a more detailed pathway, review how to become a nurse practitioner in Maryland.

Are Online LPN Programs a Reliable Path to Launch Your Nursing Career in Maryland?

Online LPN programs can be useful for some Maryland students, but only when the program meets state requirements and includes approved in-person clinical training. Nursing is a hands-on profession, so a program that is fully online without required labs and clinical placements is not enough for licensure preparation.

When evaluating online or hybrid options, ask who arranges clinical placements, where labs take place, whether the program is approved for Maryland students, and how graduates perform on licensing exams. To compare options more carefully, review the best online LPN programs in Maryland.

Is There an Opportunity for Nurses to Transition into Medical Billing and Coding Roles in Maryland?

Yes. Nurses who want less physically demanding work or a more administrative career can consider medical billing and coding, revenue cycle, documentation review, utilization review, compliance, or health information roles. Nursing experience can be useful because clinical knowledge helps with interpreting diagnoses, procedures, and documentation. However, billing and coding work usually requires targeted training in coding systems, payer rules, privacy requirements, and certification expectations.

If you are considering this transition, compare the income, work setting, remote work potential, and credential requirements before leaving clinical practice. For details, see how to become a medical biller and coder in Maryland.

How Do I Satisfy Nurse Midwife Education Requirements in Maryland?

Nurse midwifery is an advanced nursing specialty focused on pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health, and related patient care. A typical pathway includes becoming an RN, completing graduate-level midwifery education, gaining supervised clinical experience in obstetric and reproductive care, obtaining national certification, and meeting Maryland licensure requirements.

This specialty is best for nurses who want advanced patient relationships, women’s health expertise, and responsibility for complex clinical decision-making. For a complete pathway, review the guide to nurse midwife education requirements in Maryland.

What are the unique scholarship opportunities for nursing students in Maryland?

Nursing education can be expensive, especially when students factor in fees, clinical supplies, transportation, and reduced work hours. Maryland students should search for state aid, school-based awards, workforce grants, employer tuition assistance, and scholarships tied to service commitments. Always read the terms carefully because some awards require recipients to work in Maryland or in a shortage area after graduation.

• Maryland State Nursing Scholarship and Living Expenses Grant: This state-funded option supports students in ADN, BSN, or MSN programs. It can help with tuition and may include living expense support, with a work commitment in a Maryland healthcare facility after graduation.
• The Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant (HPSIG): This grant supports nursing students who agree to work in medically underserved Maryland communities after completing their education. It is connected to high-need areas such as geriatrics, community health, and primary care.
• University-Specific Nursing Scholarships: Maryland institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland may offer nursing scholarships based on merit, financial need, academic performance, or program goals. Some awards may also include mentoring or internship opportunities.
• Nurse Support Program II (NSP II) Scholarship: Supported by the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission, this scholarship is tied to strengthening Maryland’s nursing workforce after graduation.
• Maryland Higher Education Commission Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant: This grant is available to Maryland residents pursuing nursing and other health profession degrees, with a service commitment in the state after graduation.

How to reduce nursing school costs

• Complete transferable prerequisites at a lower-cost institution when accepted by your target program.
• Ask employers about tuition reimbursement, especially if you already work in healthcare.
• Compare public, private, community college, and bridge pathways before assuming a four-year program is the only route.
• Apply for scholarships early because nursing awards may have separate deadlines from admission applications.
• Choose a program you can realistically complete; stopping out can be more expensive than choosing a slightly slower but sustainable schedule.

What Are the Career Prospects for Specialized Nursing Roles in Maryland?

Specialized nursing roles can offer broader responsibilities and stronger advancement options, but they also require additional education, certification, or experience. Maryland nurses may move into areas such as gerontology, nurse education, informatics, public health, care management, anesthesia, midwifery, or nurse practitioner practice. The best specialization depends on your clinical interests, tolerance for additional schooling, preferred patient population, and long-term work setting.

For example, aging populations and chronic disease management create demand for professionals with expertise in older adult care. Nurses interested in this area can compare gerontology-related roles and review information on gerontologist salary to understand how specialized healthcare careers may differ.

How Can I Launch a Military Nursing Career in Maryland?

Military nursing combines clinical care with service, leadership, readiness, and the ability to work in structured, mission-focused environments. Candidates should expect eligibility screening, physical and leadership requirements, specialized training, and a commitment to military standards. This path may appeal to nurses who want disciplined career development, service opportunities, and exposure to diverse healthcare settings.

Before pursuing this route, compare active duty, reserve, civilian federal, and veterans’ health opportunities. For a closer look at prerequisites and expectations, review the requirements to become a military nurse.

Can I Transition from Nursing to Pharmacy in Maryland?

A nursing background can help if you want to move into pharmacy because nurses already understand medication administration, patient education, safety monitoring, and interdisciplinary care. However, becoming a pharmacist requires additional education in pharmaceutical sciences and meeting Maryland licensure requirements. It is not a simple lateral move from nursing.

This transition may make sense for healthcare professionals who are strongly interested in pharmacology, medication therapy, patient counseling, and drug safety. For the education and credential pathway, review how to be a pharmacist in Maryland.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Nursing School in Maryland

Questions to Ask Maryland Nursing Schools Before You Apply

• Is the program approved for Maryland nursing licensure?
• Is the program accredited by ACEN, CCNE, or another relevant accreditor?
• What are the most recent NCLEX pass/fail results for this specific program?
• How competitive is admission, and what GPA or prerequisite grades are typical for accepted students?
• Are clinical placements arranged by the school, or must students find their own sites?
• Can working students complete the program part time, in the evening, on weekends, or through hybrid coursework?
• What is the total estimated cost from prerequisite courses through graduation?
• What percentage of students graduate on time?
• Does the school have transfer agreements for ADN-to-BSN or RN-to-BSN progression?
• What academic support is available if students struggle in pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical skills, or NCLEX preparation?

Join One of the Top Nursing Schools in Maryland

If you are asking, “Is nursing school worth it?” the answer depends on your career goal, finances, schedule, and willingness to meet demanding academic and clinical expectations. Maryland offers several credible pathways into nursing, from LPN and ADN programs to BSN, MSN, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and leadership routes.

The smartest choice is not automatically the longest, most famous, or cheapest program. It is the program that is approved for your license goal, affordable enough to complete, strong enough to prepare you for the NCLEX or certification exam, and flexible enough to fit your real life. Build a shortlist, verify accreditation and approval, compare total costs, review outcomes, and ask detailed questions before applying.

Key Insights

• Maryland has meaningful nursing demand: A reported vacancy rate of 1 in 4 nursing positions indicates strong hiring pressure in parts of the state’s healthcare system.
• Pay can be competitive, but it varies: Maryland registered nurses earned an average annual wage of about $96,650, nurse practitioners earned around $127,100, and nurse anesthetists earned about $163,470 in the cited state wage estimates.
• The best nursing school depends on the credential: LPN, ADN, ASN, BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, and advanced practice programs serve different goals and timelines.
• Accreditation and approval are nonnegotiable: Confirm Maryland Board of Nursing approval and look for recognized accreditation such as ACEN or CCNE when applicable.
• NCLEX preparation matters: A nursing degree is only useful for licensure if the program prepares graduates to pass the required licensing exam.
• Total cost is bigger than tuition: Include fees, prerequisites, supplies, testing, transportation, clinical travel, and reduced work hours in your budget.
• Online programs require extra scrutiny: Hybrid and online coursework can be convenient, but Maryland licensure still requires appropriate hands-on training and approved clinical experiences.
• Advanced roles require planning: Nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, educator, and leadership roles usually require graduate education, certification, and additional regulatory steps.

References

1. Maryland Board of Nursing. (n.d.). Pages NCLEX Exam Pass/Fail Rates by Education Program in the State of Maryland. https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/education-nclex-stats.aspx
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners (Occupational Outlook Handbook). https://www.bls.gov/OOH/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
3. LeadNursingForward. (2025). Employment in nursing professions, Maryland. https://leadnursingforward.org/retention
4. Maryland Department of Labor. (2024). Occupational wages by state: Maryland – Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists. https://labor.maryland.gov/lmi/wages/page0011.htm